S&N and InBev UK announce new arrangements for Murphy’s Stout

The Whitbread Beer Company (as InBev UK was then known) took on distribution of Murphy’s in the UK on-trade in March 1988 and it was launched in the off trade in a can featuring the Draughtflow system in 1992. Interbrew UK signed a new agreement to handle Murphy’s in the UK in August 2002.

Stuart McFarlane, President of Inbev UK and Ireland, commented on the agreement: “We appreciate that Heineken is the ultimate brand owner so we understand that it wants to take total responsibility for the brand’s brewing and marketing in the UK.”

S&NUK was acquired by Heineken, the ultimate owner of the Murphy’s brand, in April 2008 and is now the UK operating company for the Heineken International business. S&N will become responsible for the UK brewing, marketing and distribution rights of Murphy’s and will work closely with Heineken Ireland to further develop the brand in the UK.

Jeremy Blood, Managing Director of S&NUK added “We are delighted to be adding Murphy’s into our beer portfolio which allows us to offer a leading brand in all the key beer categories. Putting the Heineken brands under one roof makes good sense and will enable us build on the already established distribution and consumer demand.

InBev UK will be contacting stockists well in advance of the changeover period to let them know how it will impact on their business. All parties are committed to a smooth handover and minimum disruption to Murphy’s stockists.

S&N will take effective control of Murphy’s from mid February 2009 and will contact customer in advance to let them know about new ordering procedures, customer support and marketing plans.